Sikhism: 5 Things To Know About The Sikh Religion | The Huffington Post Sikhism: 5 Things To Know About The Sikh Religion 08/05/2012 03:34 pm ET | Updated Aug 06, 2012 3.5k Jahnabi Barooah Assistant Editor, Religion In light of the tragic shooting at the Wisconsin Sikh Temple , HuffPost Religion offers this brief introduction to Sikhism in hopes of increasing understanding and appreciations for this great world religion. Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world with a population of upwards of 30 million worldwide. There are an estimated 250,000 Sikhs in the United States having first arrived in the late 19th century. Below are five basic facts about Sikhism: 1. Belief: Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, and the basic Sikh belief is represented in the phrase Ik Onkar meaning "One God." 2. History: Sikhism was founded in the Punjab region in India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev. Sikhism broke from Hinduism due, in part, to its rejection of the caste system. 3.

Scripture: The primary source of Scripture for Sikhs is the Guru Granth Sahib, regarded as the living Guru, after the final Guru in human form, Guru Gobind Singh, passed away. 4. Place of worship: A Sikh place of worship is known as the gurdwara. The word gurdwara means "doorway to God." Men and women normally sit apart in the gurdwara. Traditionally there is no official clergy within the Sikh tradition. Over time however, priests have become more commonplace. Many gurdwaras employ priests to conduct services, while many others are run entirely by members of the local congregation. 5. The Five Ks: The Five Ks are the articles of faith that Sikhs wear as ordered by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Most Sikhs wear one or more of the articles but only Sikhs who have taken amrit, a ritual analogous to baptism, wear all. They include: Kesh, or unshorn long hair, which is protected by a dastaar, or turban. The dastaar is worn by men and some women to cover their long hair.

But most women keep their hair long and uncovered, except for when entering a gurdwara. A kangha is a small wooden comb meant to keep the hair combed twice a day. A kara is an iron bangle to be worn on the hand used most. A kachera is a specific undergarment for men and women. A kirpan is a short dagger. Reactions to the shooting at the Wisconsin Sikh Temple Wisconsin Shooting Sikhism - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Sikhism Part of a series on Sikhism Ek-Onkar, one God Sikhism (Sikhi, ਸਿੱਖੀ in Panjabi ) is one of the major world religions , primarily developed in 15th-17th century sub-continental India , or, South Asia. "Sikhi" comes from the word " Sikh ", and the word " Sikh " comes from the Sanskrit root "śiṣya" (शिष्यः) which means "disciple" or "learner". Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of Sikhi. He was born in 1469 in the village of Nankana Sahib , near Lahore in present-day Pakistan .

The faith system is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and ten successive Sikh Gurus (divine messengers or enlighteners), with the last one being the revealed sacred scripture, Guru Granth Sahib . This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as Gurmat (literally the counsel of the Gurus) or the Sikh Dharma. With around 30 million followers worldwide, Sikhism is the fifth largest organized religion in the world. The principal belief of Sikhism is faith in waheguru — represented using the sacred symbol of ik ŝaṅkĝr , the Universal God. Sikhism advocates the pursuit of salvation through disciplined, personal meditation on the name and message of God. A key distinctive feature of Sikhism is a non-anthropomorphic concept of God, to the extent that one can interpret God as the entire creation itself. The followers of Sikhism are ordained to follow the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus , enshrined forevermore in the holy scripture entitled the Guru Granth Sahib .

While compiling the scripture, the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji incorporated not only the writings of the Sikh Gurus , but also included selected works of many devotees and saints from diverse socio-economic and religious backgrounds, who believed in the unity of God and denounced caste and superstition. The text was decreed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji , the tenth and last human guru, as the final guru of the Khalsa Panth . Sikhism's traditions and teachings are distinctively associated with the history, society and culture of the Punjab region, the traditional homeland of the Sikhs and the site of the Sikh Empire . Presently, a majority of the Sikhs live in Punjab, India, and until India's partition in 1947, millions of Sikhs had lived in what is now Pakistani Punjab. Besides Sikhi and Gurmat, Sikhism is also referred to as Aad-Matt (the primal counsel). Core Beliefs The core beliefs of Sikhism are: Belief in one God The belief in one pantheistic God .

The opening sentence of the Sikh scriptures is only two words long, and reflects the base belief of all who adhere to the teachings of the religion: Ek Onkar "Ek" is One and "Onkar" is God - "There is only one God." The Teachings of the Sikh Gurus The teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus (as well as other selected Muslim and Hindu saints and scholars) are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib .

These teachings propagate the following values: to see God in everyone; understand and practice equality among all races irrespective of caste, religion, colour, status, age, gender, etc; to remember God at all times; to always engage in Simran or "remembrance of God", the primal being; virtuous, merciful, bountiful, fearless and Creator of everything; be always aware of His persona and behave accordingly; to value and respect positive ideals like truth , compassion , contentment , humility , love , etc; (a reflection of God-like features) to suppress the inner evils lust , anger/rage , greed , material attachment , ego , etc; (a reflection of anti-God features) to aspire and engage in useful, productive, honest and peaceful life of a householder; to work diligently while holding the image of God within you; ( Kirit Karni ) to engage in selfless service ( Sewa ) and help build a loving community life; to be a contributor to society whenever possible; ( Wand kay shakna ) to be ready to protect and stand for the rights of the weak among us; to fight for justice and fairness for all; to always accept the Will of God, ( Hukam ) and stay focused and in

 "Positive Spirits" ( Chardikala ), etc.

History of Sikhism Main article: History of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev ( 1469 - 1538 ), the founder of Sikhism, was born in the village of Talwandi , now called Nankana Sahib , near Lahore in present-day Pakistan . His father, Mehta Kalu was a Patwari- an accountant of land revenue in the government. Guru's mother was Mata Tripta and he had one older sister, Bibi Nanki. From the very childhood, Bibi Nanki saw in him the Light of God but she did not reveal this secret to anyone. She is known as the first disciple of Guru Nanak. Even as a boy, Nanak was fascinated by religion, and his desire to explore the mysteries of life eventually led him to leave home. He wandered all over India in the manner of Hindu saints. It was during this period that Nanak met Kabir ( 1441 - 1518 ), a saint revered by both Hindus and Muslims. He made four distinct major journeys, which are called Udasis spanning many thousands of miles.

In 1538 , Guru Nanak chose Bhai Lehna , his disciple as a successor to the Guruship rather than his son. Bhai Lehna was renamed Guru Angad and became the second guru of the Sikhs. He continued the work started by Guru Nanak. Guru Amar Das became the third Sikh guru in 1552 at the age of 73. Goindwal became an important centre for Sikhism during the Guruship of Guru Amar Das. He continued to preach the principle of equality for women, the prohibition of Sati and the practise of Langar . In 1567 , Emperor Akbar sat with the ordinary and poor people of Punjab to have Langar. Guru Amar Das also trained 140 apostles of which 52 were women to manage the rapid expansion of the religion. Before he died in 1574 aged 95, he appointed his son-in-law, Jetha as the fourth Sikh Guru. Jetha became Guru Ram Das and vigorously undertook his duties as the new guru. He is responsible for the establishment of the city of Ramdaspur later to be named Amritsar .

In 1581 , Guru Arjan - youngest son of fourth guru - became the Fifth Guru of the Sikhs. In addition to being responsible for the construction of the Golden Temple , he prepared the Sikh Sacred text and his personal addition of some 2,000 plus hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib . In 1604 he installed the Adi Granth for the first time as the Holy Book of the Sikhs. In 1606 , he was arrested and fined an enormous sum, by the newly installed Mughal Emperor Jahangir, which he refused to pay. His followers and a highly respected friend the Sufi Sant Hazrat Mian Mir attempted to intercede on his behalf, but believing he had done nothing to warrant the fine he told them he wanted no one to interfere with the workings of Waheguru. He was also asked to change some wording of the former Gurus which he had collected in the Adi Granth--this he refused to do. He was tortured severely and finally allowed to bath in the nearby river.

His followers and admirers watched as he walked on his badly burned and blistered feet to the river's edge, waded in and then disappeared under the water never to be seen again, becoming the first Martyr of the Sikhs. Guru Hargobind , became the sixth guru of the Sikhs. He carried two swords; one for Spiritual reasons and one for temporal (worldly) reasons. From this point onward, the Sikhs became a military force and always had a trained fighting force to defend their independence. In 1644 , Guru Har Rai became Guru followed by Guru Har Krishan , the boy Guru in 1661 . Guru Teg Bahadur became Guru in 1665 and led the Sikhs until 1675 , when he sacrificed his life in defense the Kashmiri Hindus who had come to him for help. In 1675 , Aurangzeb ordered the public execution of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur . Sikh mythos (above) says that Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed himself to save Hindus, after Kashmiri pandits came to him for help when the Emperor condemned them for failing to convert to Islam.

This marked a turning point for Sikhism. His successor, his son Guru Gobind Rai further militarised his followers (see Khalsa ). After the treachery of his neighboring Hill chieftains (Katri Rajputs who he had expected to join him in expelling or at least putting an end to the Mughal tyranny and forced conversions of Hindus) who took the side of the Mughals and tricked him and the Sikhs, under a guarantee of safe passage, into abandoning Anandpur, many of his Sikhs including his four sons and his mother, Gobind Singh on reaching safety sent Aurangzeb a letter known as the Zafarnama (Epistle of Victory). Shortly before passing away Guru Gobind ordered that Guru Granth Sahib , the Sikh Holy Scripture, would replace the line of human Gurus and become the spiritual authority for the Sikhs and placed the temporal authority with the Khalsa Panth ; the Sikhs themselves. The first Sikh Holy Scripture was compiled and edited by the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan in 1604 , although some of the earlier gurus are also known to have documented their revelations.

This is one of the few scriptures in the world that has been compiled by the founders of a faith during their own life time. The Guru Granth Sahib is particularly unique among sacred texts in that it is written in Gurmukhi script but contains many languages including Punjabi , Hindi-Urdu , Sanskrit , Bhojpuri and Persian . Sikhs consider the Guru Granth Sahib the last, perpetual living guru. The Gurus of Sikhism The Ten Sikh Gurus Sikhism was established by ten Gurus ; teachers or masters; over the period 1469 to 1708 . These teachers were enlightened souls whose main purpose in life was the spiritual and moral well-being of the masses. Each master added to and reinforced the message taught by the previous, resulting to the creation of the religion of Sikhism. Guru Nanak was the first Guru and Guru Gobind Singh the final Guru in human form. When Guru Gobind Singh left this world, he made the Sri Guru Granth Sahib the ultimate and final Sikh Guru. # Main article: Guru Granth Sahib The Guru Granth Sahib is a sacred text considered by Sikhs to be their eleventh and final Guru.

Sikhism was influenced by reform movements in Hinduism (e.g. Bhakti , monism , Vedic metaphysics, guru ideal, and bhajans ) as well as Sufi Islam . It departs from some of the social traditions and structure of Hinduism and Islam (such as the caste system and purdah , respectively). Sikh philosophy is characterised by logic, comprehensiveness, and a "without frills" approach to both spiritual and material concerns. Its theology is marked by simplicity. In Sikh ethics there is no conflict between an individual’s duty to oneself and that towards society. The Guru Granth Sahib is the eleventh and final Guru of the Sikhs, is held in the highest regard by the Sikhs and is treated as the Eternal Guru, as instructed by Guru Gobind Singh. It is perhaps the only scripture of its kind which not only contains the teachings of its own religious founders but also writings of people from other faiths.

Besides the Banis of the Gurus, it also contains the writings of saints like Kabir, Namdev, Ravidas, Sheikh Farid, Trilochan, Dhanna, Beni, Sheikh Bhikan, Jaidev, Surdas, Parmanad, Pipa and Ramanand. The Granth forms the central part of the Sikh place of worship called a gurdwara . The Holy Scripture is placed on the dominant platform in the main hall of the gurdwara during the day. It is placed with great respect and dignity upon a throne with beautiful and colourful fabric. Sikh religious philosophy The Sikh religious philosophy can be divided into the following five sections: Primary beliefs and principles Main article: Sikhism primary beliefs and principles Sikhism advocates the belief in one pantheistic God ( Ek Onkar ) who is omnipresent and has infinite qualities. Sikhs do not have a gender for God nor do they believe God takes a human form. All human beings are considered equal regardless of their religion, sex or race. All are sons and daughters of Waheguru , the Almighty.

Followers of Sikhism are encouraged to wake in the early morning hours, before the sun has risen, and meditate on God's name. They must work hard and honestly and never live off of others, but give to others from the fruits of one's own labour. A Sikh's home should always be open to all. Sikhs believe in the concept of reincarnation . All creatures are believed to have souls that pass to other bodies upon death until liberation is achieved. Sikhs should defend, safeguard, and fight for the rights of all creatures, and in particular fellow human beings. They are encouraged to have a " Chardi Kala " or positive, optimistic and buoyant view of life. The Sikh religion is not considered the only way to salvation - people of other religions may also achieve salvation. This concept is shared with other religions. Upon baptism, Sikhs must wear the 5Ks , strictly recite the 5 prayers . Sikhs do not believe that any particular day is holier than any other and general adopt the religous day of the country within which they reside.

It is every Sikh's duty to defeat these five vices: ego, anger, greed, attachment, and lust in his/her being with contentment, charity, kindness, positive attitude and humility. Underlying values The Sikhs must believe in the following values: Equality: All humans are equal before God. God's spirit: All creatures have God's spirits and must be properly respected. Personal right: Every person has a right to life but this right is restricted. Actions count: Salvation is obtained by one's actions, including good deeds, remembrance of God, etc. Living a family life: Must live as a family unit to provide and nurture children. Sharing: It is encouraged to share and give to charity 10 percent of one's net earnings. Accept God's will: Develop your personality so that you recognize happy events and miserable events as one. The four fruits of life: Truth, contentment, contemplation and Naam , (in the name of God). Prohibited behavior Main article: Sikhism prohibited behavior Non-logical behavior: Superstitions and rituals are not meaningful to Sikhs (pilgrimages, fasting, bathing in rivers, circumcision, worship of graves, idols or pictures, compulsory wearing of the veil for women, etc.).

Material obsession: ("Maya") Accumulation of materials has no meaning in Sikhism. Wealth such as gold, portfolio, stocks, commodities, and properties will all be left here on Earth when you depart. Do not get attached to them. Sacrifice of creatures: ( Sati ). Widows throwing themselves in the funeral pyre of their husbands, lamb and calf slaughter to celebrate holy occasions, etc. are forbidden. Non-family oriented living: A Sikh is not allowed to live as a recluse, beggar, yogi, monk, nun, or celibate. Worthless talk: Bragging, gossip, lying, etc. are not permitted. Intoxication: Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and consumption of other intoxicants is not permitted. Priestly class: Sikhs do not have to depend on a priest for performing any religious functions. They are not supposed to follow a class/caste system where the priestly class reigns highest. Everyone is equal. Technique and methods Naam Japo : - Free service ( Sewa ), meditation and prayer ( Simran ), sacred music ( Kirtan ). Kirat Karni : - Honest earnings, labor, etc. while remembering the Lord.

Wand kay Shako : - Share with others in need, free food ( langar ), donate 10% of income Daasvand , etc. Other observations ♣♣ Islam ♣♣ Hindu Dharam ♣♣ Christianity ♣♣ Jain Dharam ♣♣ Dhamma ♣♣ Judaism ♣♣ Not son of God: The Gurus were not in the Christian sense “Sons of God”. Sikhism says all humans are the children of God and by deduction, God is mother/father. All are welcome: Members of all religions may visit Sikh temples ( Gurdwaras ), but must observe certain rules: cover the head, remove shoes, no smoking or drinking intoxicants inside, and visitors must not be under the influence of any drugs, especially alcohol. Multi-level approach: Sikhism recognises the concept of a multi-level approach to achieving one's target as a disciple of the faith. For example, "Sahajdhari" (slow adopters) are Sikhs who have not donned the full 5Ks but are still Sikhs nevertheless. Note: The Punjabi language does not have a gender for God.

Unfortunately, when translating, the proper meaning cannot be correctly conveyed without using Him/His/He/Brotherhood, S/He etc., but this distorts the meaning by giving the impression that God is masculine, which is not the message in the original script. The reader must correct for this every time these words are used. Sikhs today The Five Ks Today, Sikhs can be found all over India and elsewhere in the world. Sikh men as well as some Sikh women can be identified by their practice of always wearing a turban to cover their long hair. The turban is quite different from the ones worn by the Muslim clergy and should not be confused with them. The surname or more usually the middle name Singh 1 (meaning lion) is very common for males, and Kaur (meaning princess) for women. Of course, not all people named Singh or Kaur are necessarily Sikhs, the Sikhs adopted the name Singh in 1699 during the Birth of the Khalsa. The name Singh is closely linked to the martial antiquities of North India dating back to at least the Eighth Century CE.

The Five Ks Main article: The Five Ks Practicing Sikhs are bound to wear five items, known as The Five Ks, at all times. It is done either out of respect for the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh , or out of sense of duty or from understanding of their function and purpose and relevance in daily life. It is important to note that The Five Ks are not merely present for symbolic purposes. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, ordered these Five Ks to be worn so that a Sikh could actively use them to make a difference to their own spirituality and to others' spirituality. The 5 items are: Kesh (uncut hair), Kanga (small comb), Kara (circular bracelet), Kirpan (small sword) and Kacha (shorts). Sikhs around the world A Sikh man from USA A Sikh known as Yogi Bhajan brought the Sikh way of life to many young people in the Western hemisphere. In addition to Indian-born Sikhs, there are now thousands of individuals of Western origin who were not born as Sikhs, but have embraced the Sikh way of life and live and teach all over the world.

In the late 1970s and 1980s a limited political separatist movement arose in India with the mission to create a separate Sikh state, called Khalistan , in the Punjab area of India and Pakistan . Currently, there are about 23 million Sikhs in the world, making it the fifth largest world religion. Approximately 19 million Sikhs live in India with the majority living in the state of Punjab ('greater Punjab' extends across the India-Pakistan border but few Sikhs remained in Pakistan due to persecution during the split of India in 1947 ). Large populations of Sikhs can be found in the United Kingdom , Canada , and USA . They also comprise a significant minority in Malaysia and Singapore , where they are sometimes made fun of for their distinctive appearance, but are respected for their drive and high education standards, as they dominate the legal profession. Following the Indian general election, 2004 , Dr Manmohan Singh has become the first Sikh Prime Minister of India . He is also the first non-Hindu Prime Minister of India. Sikhs comprise 10% of the Indian Armed Forces. In 2005, the first Sikh General of the Indian Army was designated.

Also they have a major presence in the Transport Industry in India. Observations A Sikh woman wearing a turban The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak , was born in 1469 to a Khatri family in central Punjab (in what is present day Pakistan ). After four epic journeys (north to Tibet , south to Sri Lanka , east to Bengal and west to Mecca and Baghdad ) Guru Nanak preached to Hindus, Muslims and others, and in the process attracted a following of Sikhs or disciples. Religion, he taught, was a way to unite people, but in practice he found that it set men against one another. He particularly regretted the antagonism between Hindus and Muslims as well as certain ritualistic practices that distracted people from focusing on God . He wanted to go beyond what was being practised by either religion and hence a well-known saying of Guru Nanak is, "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim." Guru Gobind Singh reinforced these words by saying, "Regard the whole human race as equal". Guru Nanak was opposed to the caste system. His followers referred to him as the guru (teacher). Before his death he designated a new Guru to be his successor and to lead the Sikh community.

This procedure was continued, and the tenth and last Guru, Guru Gobind (AD 1666 – 1708 ) initiated the Sikh ceremony in AD 1699 ; and thus gave a distinctive identity to the Sikhs. The five baptised Sikhs were named Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), who in turn baptised the Guru at his request. Guru Nanak's doctrinal position is clear, despite the appearance that it is a blend of insights originating from two very different faiths. Sikhism's coherence is attributable to its single central concept – the sovereignty of the One God , the Creator. Guru Nanak called God the "True Name" because he wanted to avoid any limiting terms for God. He taught that the True Name, although manifest in many ways, many places and known by many names, is eternally One, the Sovereign and omnipotent God (the Truth of Love). Guru Nanak's ascribed to the concept of maya , regarding material objects and realities as expressions of the creator's eternal truth, which tended to erect "a wall of falsehood" around those who live totally in the mundane world of material desires.

This materialism prevents them from seeing the ultimate reality, as God created matter as a veil, so that only spiritual minds, free of desire, can penetrate it by the grace of the Guru (Gurprasad). The Golden Temple is a sacred shrine for Sikhs The world is immediately real in the sense that it is made manifest to the senses as maya, but is ultimately unreal in the sense that God alone is ultimate reality. Retaining the Hindu doctrine of the transmigration of souls , together with its corollary, the law of karma , Guru Nanak advised his followers to end the cycle of reincarnation by living a disciplined life – that is, by moderating egoism and sensuous delights, to live in a balanced worldly manner, and by accepting ultimate reality. Thus, by the grace of Guru (Gurprasad) the cycle of re-incarnation can be broken, and the Sikh can remain in the abode of the Love of God. A Sikh should balance work, worship and charity - and meditate by repeating God's name, Nam japna (to enhance spiritual development). Salvation, Guru Nanak said, does not mean entering paradise after a last judgment, but a union and absorption into God, the true name.

Sikhs believe in neither heaven nor hell. They strive for the grace of the Guru during the human journey of the soul. Political pressure from surrounding Muslim nations forced the Sikhs to defend themselves and by the mid-nineteenth century , the Punjab area straddling modern-day India and Pakistan , Afghanistan and Kashmir was ruled by them. The Sikh's Khalsa Army defeated the invading British army and signed treaties with China . All are welcome Graphic from the animation film "Rise of the Khalsa" Members of all religions may visit Sikh temples (gurdwaras = the Guru's door) but are asked to observe the following rules out of respect for sikh sensibilities: To cover one's head (there will be bandana-like rumaals available there) To take off one's shoes To not smoke or indulge in the consumption of alcoholic or tobacco-related materials (even in the vicinity of the gurdwara) Not to bring or possess any alcoholic or tobacco-related items, or be under their effects when entering the gurdwara. Multi-level approach Sikhism recognises the concept of a multi-level approach to achieving your target as a disciple of the faith.

For example, Sahajdhari (slow adopters) are Sikhs who have not donned the full Five Ks but are still Sikhs nonetheless. The Khalsa Main article: Khalsa A baptised Sikh becomes a member of the Khalsa or the "Pure Ones". When a Sikh joins the Khalsa, he/she is supposed to have devoted their life to the Guru, and is expected not to desist from sacrificing anything and everything in a struggle for a just and righteous cause. The word "Khalsa" has two literal meanings. It comes from Persian . One literal meaning is "Pure" and the other meaning is "belonging to the king". When the word "Khalsa" is used for a Sikh, it implies belonging to the King, where the King is God himself. To become a Khalsa, a Sikh must surrender themselves completely to the supreme King or God and obey God's will without question or delay. Followers of Sikhism A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. The word Sikh is derived from the Sanskrit word shishya which means disciple or student. In the Punjabi language the word Sikh also means humble follower.

So a Sikh is a disciple of the Ten Gurus and a follower of the teachings in Sikhism's holy scriptures who they regard as a living guru, the Guru Granth Sahib . Sikhs and Punjabis Since Sikhism originated in the region of Punjab , most Sikhs trace their roots to that region (though in recent times, with the spread both of Sikhism and Sikhs, one might encounter Sikhs belonging to other geographical locations across the world). With the revisions of the state boundaries in 1966, 65% of the population in Punjab is now made up of Sikhs, whereas Sikhs comprise only 2% of the population in India as a whole. Consequently, and also because the Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi , a script of the Punjabi language, most Sikhs are able to speak, read or write the language, or are at least familiar with it. Sikh names Main article: Sikh names A Sikh man almost always bears the surname of Singh, which means 'lion', and a Sikh woman can be identified with a second name of Kaur, which means 'princess' ('Kaur' being an exclusively Sikh name).

Additionally, except only a very few cases, the same first names as used for men are used for women. In other words, though one may not be able to tell the sex of a Sikh person from his/her first name, the second name of Singh or Kaur makes the distinction completely clear. Unisex first names are a salient example of the complete equality between men and women. See also See Wikipedia article on Sikhism for more information An index of the most important pages on Sikhism, can be found at the Sikh pages . Brief Summary of Sikhism A short summary of the main features of Sikhism SIKHWORLD.CO.UK THE KHANDA The Khanda is the symbol of the Sikhs, as the Cross is to Christians or the Star of David is to Jews. It reflects some of the fundamental concepts of Sikhism. The symbol derives its name from the double-edged sword (also called a Khanda) which appears at the centre of the logo. This double-edged sword is a metaphor of Divine Knowledge, its sharp edges cleaving Truth from Falsehood. The right edge of the double-edged sword symbolises freedom and authority governed by moral and spiritual values.

The left edge of the double-edged sword symbolises divine justice which chastises and punishes the wicked oppressors. The circle around the Khanda is the Chakar. The Chakar being a circle without a beginning or an end symbolises the perfection of God who is eternal. The Chakar is surrounded by two curved swords called Kirpans. These two swords symbolise the twin concepts of Meeri and Peeri - Temporal and Spiritual authority introduced by Guru Hargobind. They emphasise the equal emphasis that a Sikh must place on spiritual aspirations as well as obligations to society. On the left side is the sword of spiritual sovereignty, Peeri; on the right side is the sword of political sovereignty, Meeri. EK-ONKAR "There is Only One God". The first two words in the Guru Granth Sahib & one of the cornerstones of Sikhism. They appear at the beginning of the Mul Mantra written by Guru Nanak describing the qualities of God in the Japji. NISHAN SAHIB Nishan Sahib is the name given to the flag which is seen flying outside every Sikh Gurdwara (Temple).

It is a triangular piece of ochre or saffron coloured cloth with the Khanda emblem in the middle. The flag post also has a khanda or spear on top and is usually covered with the same cloth as the flag. The use of the Nishan Sahib was first introduced by Guru Hargobind. Sikhs show great respect to their flag as it is, indeed, the symbol of the freedom of the Khalsa. It is this Nishan Sahib that is referred to in the daily prayer of the Sikhs for its immortality. When we study the verses of the bards that form an integral part of the Guru Granth Sahib, we learn that there was a practice of hoisting of the flag during the divine ministry of Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das and Gur Argan Dev ji. The colour underwent a change, from white to saffron, in the hands of Guru Hargobind and it was first time hoisted at the Akal Takht Sahib in the year 1609. THE FIVE K'S TO BE WORN BY ALL BAPTISED SIKHS KANGA Comb.

A symbol of hygiene and discipline as opposed to the matted un-kept hair of ascetics. A Khalsa is expected to regularly wash and comb their hair as a matter of self discipline. KIRPAN Ceremonial Sword. A symbol of dignity and the Sikh struggle against injustice. It is worn purely as a religious symbol and not as a weapon. When all other means of self protection fail, the Kirpan can be used to protect yourself or others against the enemy. KARA Iron bracelet. A symbol to remind the wearer of restraint in their actions and remembrance of God at all times. Every Khalsa is enjoined to wear the Kara on the right wrist. The Kara being circular in shape, symbolises wheel which itself, when viewed in the background of Indian heritage, simultaneously stands for Dharma and Chakarvarti Raja (universal monarch). Therefore Kara manifests two meanings, eternal and temporal and the Khalsa is enjoined to imbibe both. KACHHERA Drawers. A symbol signifying self control and chastity. Every member of the Khalsa must must wear a Kachhera, in order to cover not only the genitals, but it should also cover the thighs up to the knees.

The covering of the genitals enjoins him/her to live under the strict discipline of self control. Also the Kachhera stands to repudiate the idea of nudity so dear to Indian asceticism. The Sikh religion advocates, instead, all round development of one's personality possible only when adhering to social norms as a balanced social being. It also allows freedom of movement, which is especially required during time of battle. KESH Long unshorn hair. A symbol of spirituality. The Kesh reminds a Khalsa to behave like the Guru's. It is a mark of dedication and group consciousness, showing a Khalsa's acceptance of God's will. Long hair have long been a common element of many spiritual prophets of various religions such as Jesus, Moses and Buddha. The Five K's, along with the turban, constitute the Khalsa uniform, which distinguishes a Sikh from any other person in the world, and is essential for preserving the life of the community and fostering the Khalsa brotherhood. The Five K's are not supposed to foster exclusiveness or superiority. They are meant to keep the Sikhs united in the pursuit of the aims and ideals of the Gurus. They enable them to keep their vows made at the time of baptism.

The Sikhs have been known to face torture and death rather than cut their hair or remove any of the sacred symbols. The Khalsa cannot be anonymous. His religion is known to all. He stands out among people, and any unseemly behaviour or action on his part would be noted as unbecoming of a follower of the Gurus. People would easily blame him if he deviated from the disciplinary code of Guru Gobind Singh. SIKH TURBAN Turban is closely associated with Sikhism . Sikhism is the only religion in the world in which wearing a turban is mandatory for all adult males. Vast majority of people who wear turbans in the Western countries are Sikhs . The Sikh pagdi (ਪਗੜੀ) is also called dastaar (ਦਸਤਾਰ), which is a more respectful word in Punjabi for the turban. Sikh's are famous for their distinctive turbans. The turban represents respectability, and is a sign of nobility. Guru Gobind Singh gave all of his Sikhs turbans to recognize the the high moral status that the Khalsa has to adhere to.

A turbaned sikh stands out from the crowd and is easily recognizable. The dastaar, as the Sikh turban is commonly known as is an article of faith. This was made mandatory by the founders of Khalsa and all baptised Sikhs are required to wear a Dastaar. It is not to be regarded as mere cultural paraphernalia. When a Sikh man or woman dons a turban, the turban ceases to be just a piece of cloth and becomes one and the same with the Sikh's head. The turban as well as the other articles of faith worn by Sikhs have an immense spiritual as well as temporal significance. The symbolisms of wearing a turban are many from it being regarded as a symbol of sovereignty, dedication, self-respect, courage and piety but the reason all practicing Sikhs wear the turban is just one - out of love and obedience of the wishes of the founders of their faith. Historical Background Turban is an inseparable part of a Sikh's life. Since Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, all Sikhs have been sporting a turban.

The Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) specifically says that all Sikhs must wear a turban. According to the Rehatnama, compiled after a few years of Guru Gobind Singh's demise, the five Kakars of Sikhism were : Kachhera (a knee-length underwear), Kara (a iron bangle), Kirpan (a sword), Kangha (comb) and Kesh (hair). Guru Gobind Singh is quoted as saying : "Kangha dono vakt kar, paag chune kar bandhai." Translation: "Comb your hair twice a day and tie your turban carefully, turn by turn. Holiness and Spirituality : Turban is a symbol of spirituality in Sikhism. Guru Angad honoured Guru Amardas with a turban (Siropa) when he was seated as the Guru. The most revered Sikh symbol is hair. The turban is required by every male Sikh in order to cover his head. This is the primary reason the comb (kangha) is one of the five basic requirements of the Sikh way of life. The turban (Dastaar) has remained the key aspect of a Sikh's honour.

Those who have selflessly served the community are honoured with turbans. Initiation ceremony is the most important ceremony in a Sikh's life. That ceremony cannot be complete without the injunction of always wearing a turban. All the Sikh Gurus sported turban. Throughout our short history, all Sikhs also sported turbans. The turban has become synonymous with Sikhism. Yet, other religions such as Hinduism, Islam and even Christianity have similar tenets as evidenced by the following: Once they enter the gates of the inner Court, they are to wear linen vestments. They shall wear linen turbans, and linen drawers on their loins. (Old Testament: Ezekiel 44:18-19) Turban as an Honour The highest honour that a Sikh religious organization can bestow upon an individual is a Siropa. It is a blessing of the Guru which is bestowed upon a person who has devoted a major portion of his / her life for the welfare of the Sikh community or humanity in general. Sometimes a Siropa is also bestowed upon the families of Sikhs martyrs. Turban and Sikh Military Life Turban is a symbol of honour and self-respect.

The Sikh Army fought their last major battle against the British in 1845. All the Sikh soldiers and generals fought for the respect of "turban and beard" which symbolize Sikh way. Shah Muhammad, a great Punjabi Muslim poet and historian, who witnessed that war, writes: Pishe baitth Sardara(n) Gurmatta kita, koi akal da karo ilaj yaro. Sherh burshia(n) di sade pesh ayee, pag dahrhia(n) di rakho laaj yaro. Freely translated, it says : The Sikh chiefs took a unanimous and firm religious decision (Gurmatta), that they should have sense enough to judge the tenor of Maharani Jind Kaur and the crafty Britishers. They said that they were facing a very shrewd enemy and it was high time for them to save the honour of their turbans and beards (both symbols of self-respect). The Sikh soldiers refused to wear helmets during World War I and World War II. They fought with turbans on their heads. A Sikh would have had to remove his turban to wear a helmet which could not even be imagined.

Many Sikhs received Victoria Cross, one of the most prestigious gallantry awards in the British army, for their bravery. Many Sikhs refused to remove their turban even during their imprisonment. Bhai Randhir Singh, a widely respected Sikh preacher, scholar, and a freedom fighter had to undergo a fast to win his right to wear turban in prison. Turban a Symbol of Missionary Zeal and Courage There are many references in the Sikh history that describe how Guru Gobind Singh personally tied beautiful dumalas (turbans) on the heads of both his elder sons Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh and how he personally gave them arms and sent them to the battlefield at Chamkaur Sahib where they both embraced martyrdom. When the Sikhs organise an agitation (morcha), they usually wear a saffron colour turban which is a symbol of sacrifice and martyrdom. Identity It provides Sikhs a unique identity. You will see only Sikhs wearing turban in western or majority of eastern countries. If a Sikh wishes to become one with the Guru, he must look like the Guru (wear a turban). Guru Gobind Singh says : "Khalsa mero roop hai khaas.

Khalse me hau karo niwas." Translation: Khalsa (Sikh) is a true picture of mine. I live in the Khalsa. According to the historical accounts, Guru Gobind Singh tied an 18 inch high dumala (turban) just before the light merged in the Supreme Light. Sikhism: Five Articles of Faith Articles > Beliefs Five Articles of Faith Sikhs have five articles of faith natively known as Kakaars or Five K's. The articles include Kesh (uncut hair), Kanga (comb), Kara (Bracelet), Kirpan (sword) and Kachehra (a special type of shorts). A baptized Sikh is to wear all five articles of faith. These articles are not merely symbols, they not only represent or identify a Sikh but also have deep meanings. Guru Gobind Singh Ji created a lifestyle to keep a Sikh focused life. Guru 's lifestyle does not let one dwindle or get side tracked. Kesh: Hair is not just a symbol, it is the gift from God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji started the practice of keeping the hair unshorn.

The keeping of hair in its natural state is regarded as living in harmony with the will of God. It is also a symbol of Khalsa brotherhood and the Sikh faith. Hair is an integral part of the human body created by God and Sikhism call for its preservation. Sikhs live the way God made humans and never cut their hair. Guru Gobind Singh Ji instructed Sikh to wear Turban in order to protect their hair. Turban has many purposes and one is to keep a Sikh focused in his beliefs. Kanga: The comb is necessary to keep the hair clean and tidy. A Sikh must comb his hair twice a day and tie his turban neatly. The Gurus wore turbans and instructed the Sikhs to wear turbans for the protection of hair, promotion of social identity and cohesion. It has thus become an essential part of the Sikh dress. Kara: The bracelet symbolizes restrain from evil deeds. It is worn on the right wrist and reminds the Sikh of the vows taken by him. Sikh as a servant of the Guru, should not do anything which may bring shame or disgrace. When he looks at the Kara, he is made to think twice before doing anything evil with his hands.

Kirpan: The sword is the emblem of courage and self-defense. It symbolizes dignity, self-reliance, capacity and readiness to always defend the weak and the oppressed. It helps sustain one's martial spirit and the determination to sacrifice oneself in order to defend truth, fight against oppression and fight to preserve Sikh moral values. The rule is never to do injustice and never let anyone perform injustice. A Sikh is a devotee first and to protect his devotion, a Sikh is a warrior as well. A real Sikh will never let weapons take the precedence over his spiritual values and devotion. A real Sikh will always help the one in need and fight for him/her regardless of the person's caste, color or religion. When all other means of self-protection fail, the Sikh can use his sword to protect himself and others. A Sikh is never to use his sword to attack anyone. Kachehra: Kachehra, under shorts, symbolizes to live a faithful life. It reminds the Sikh of the need for self-restrain over passions, lust and desires. Apart from its moral significance, it ensures briskness during action and freedom of movement at all times.

During today's dark world filled with lust, if a Sikh ever gets carried away in the moment of lust, the Kachehra refrains one from making wrong moves and reminds him of his duties. The Five K's are not supposed to foster exclusiveness or superiority. They are meant to keep the Sikhs united in the pursuit of ideal life. The articles of faith enable Sikhs to keep their vows made at the time of baptism. Wearing the symbols of faith keeps one close to being a Sikh and being a Sikh brings one closer to God. Each and every one of Gurus' teachings have a purpose and meaning because it was told to them by God Himself. God has created a religion, a path, a faith, which brings one closer to God and helps one to Unite with Him. In order to meet God, one has to live an honest life and meditate on God. Sikh Gurus themselves lived an honest life and showed everyone how it can be done while living a family life. If one is not a Sikh, it is harder to live truly. One Sikh writes his experience about his turban as follows: "My turban has saved me so many times that I cannot even begin to explain.

Like most, I am also filled with greed. I even thought about cheating my way to make money. But everytime I think about it, I think about my turban. A thought comes in my mind that how will my Guru feel if I do such a thing. I am a Sikh and a Sikh must walk on the path of humility and respect and live happily with whatever God has given me. If I have not had a turban on my head, I probably would have become a master-mind at stealing money. My turban saves me." The Sikh symbols keeps a Sikh focused. It saves a Sikh from bad company and keeps a Sikh close to God. Guru created a lifestyle which helps one to be close to God and less likely to detour. Nowadays, rare are Sikhs that walk in the path shown by the Guru. Rare are the ones that do not cut their hair and live an honest life like a Sikh is suppose to. To the ones that follow the path shown by God, Guru Nanak says, he is willing to sacrifice himself for them. Content Management Powered by CuteNews Share this page on Social Networks Sikhism: What are the Sikh beliefs? FAQ > Sikh Beliefs Q: What are the Sikh beliefs?

A: Sikhism is a monotheistic faith formed in the fifteenth century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji . Guru Nanak Dev Ji along with the following nine Gurus were sent by God Himself to deliver His message. The Tenth Guru then compiled all the teaching of Gurus into the Holy Scripture known as Guru Granth Sahib Ji which presides as the eleventh Guru of Sikhs. God: Sikhism recognizes God as the only One. He who is the Creator of the Universe, fearless, not subject to time or space, and does not take birth or die. Sikhism clearly states that God does NOT take birth as a human. Furthermore, Sikhism does not recognize any other gods, goddesses and deities except the One Supreme Being. » More Info Guru: Guru is one with God and delivers the message of God. » More Info Rituals: The Sikh religion rejects all rituals, superstitions and routine practices like fasting and pilgrimage , animal sacrifice , omens and austerities. Rights: Sikh religion instructs that all humans are equal. Equality among Humans: Sikhism instructs to consider all human races equal. No one is superior or inferior.

» More Info Equality of Men and Women: Sikhism instructs to consider all men and women equal. Women have equal status as men. » More Info Lifestyle: Sikh Gurus themselves lived a family and social life and showed everyone how one can be close to God while living a family life. Sikh Guru created a lifestyle for Sikhs. Sikhs that follow this lifestyle are less likely to deviate from the path to God. Sikh lifestyle includes: Naam Japna (Meditation): A Sikh is to engage in a daily practice of meditation by reciting and chanting of God’s Name. Sikhism instructs that Salvation can only be attained by meditating on One God. Daily recitation also keeps Sikhs focused in life. Kirat Karni (Honest Lifestyle): To live honestly and earn by ones physical and mental effort while accepting God's gifts and blessings. A Sikh should never engage in dishonest means of making money. Vand Chakna (Sharing): The Sikhs are asked to share their wealth within the community and outside by practicing charity (Daan). Sikhism instructs to “Share and consume together”.

Seva (Selfless Service): It is the duty of every Sikh to engage in Seva whenever there is a possibility. A Sikh can volunteer at Gurdwara Sahib; community centre; senior living centers; care centers, major world disasters, etc. Seva is important to Sikhs because it helps build a better community and also keeps the Sikhs humble by suppressing ego. Five Vices: A Sikh needs to overcome five vices of Lust, Anger, Greed, Emotional Attachment and Ego. » More Info Five Traits: A Sikh need to develop and harness positive human qualities which leads the soul closer to God. These five qualities are: Truth, Compassion, Contentment, Humble, and Love. Five Verses: Reading 5 verses from Sikh scriptures everyday keeps one in focus towards God. Five Ks: Wearing 5 Ks (Five Articles of Faith) Uncut Hair, Comb, Bracelet, Sacred Knife and Sacred Shorts keeps one focused in life. » More Info Alcohol and Drugs: Consuming alcohol, smoke and drugs is an obstruction in meeting God. Food: A Sikh should eat simple and vegetarian food.

» More Info Baptism: Knows as Amrit, Baptism is a sacred and important part of Sikh life. A Baptized Sikh lives the lifestyle as described above and remains focused on its way to be One with God. » More Info Science: Sikhs beliefs do not contradict with Science. In fact Scientific findings are confirming Sikh beliefs. In fourteenth century Sikhs Gurus said that there are millions of stars, planets and moon revolving the planets in the Universe, science has been confirming since 19th century. » More Info Existence: Sikhism tells us that this Earth has been going on for billions of years. God created the entire Universe including the Earth and the Earth has been evolving since. Guru Granth Sahib Ji further tells us that this is not the only time God has created the Universe; He has done it many times over and over again. » More Info Life after Death: Sikhism has a belief in reincarnation. Heaven and hell do exist. Your good deeds will be rewarded in heaven and bad deed will be punished in hell, you will take birth again and again until you attain salvation by becoming One with God. » More Info Purpose of Life: Sikhism instructs that our life has a purpose and a goal.

It offers an opportunity for self and God realization. Moreover man is responsible for his own actions. He cannot claim immunity from the results of his actions. He must therefore be very vigilant in what he does. The goal of human life to merge with God is accomplished by meditation on God and performance of acts of service and charity. Sikhism emphasizes the path of devotion. It also lays stress on the need for earning God's Grace in order to reach the spiritual goal. » More Info Salvation: Salvation can only be attained by meditation of God. Just like you love your significant other and keep them in your mind, we should love God. Sikhism emphasizes that normal family life is no barrier to salvation. That it is possible to live detached in the midst of worldly ills and temptations. » More Info Related Information

Question: The symbols known as the 'Five Ks' are central to which religion?
Answer: Sikhism